ClarityInclusions and Blemishes
Inclusions are internal imperfections or natural features inside a gemstone — often called "nature's fingerprints" because they are unique to each gem. They vary in size, location, relief, nature, and number. Inclusions near the table (the flat top of the gemstone) are especially important: larger ones reduce value, those near the table affect transparency and brilliance, and multiple inclusions can significantly detract from sparkle. Blemishes are external imperfections such as scratches, chips, or surface discoloration. Blemishes near the table are particularly concerning as they face outward when the gem is worn, reducing visual appeal and potentially compromising durability.
Care & MaintenanceBasics of Cleaning Jewelry
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or strong acids — always use mild soap and warm water. Use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub gemstones. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, but never use them on emeralds, opals, or pearls. Steam cleaners are safe for hard stones like diamonds and sapphires, but avoid them for softer stones like turquoise and opal, which can crack or become damaged.
Gemstone ValueWhat Constitutes the Value of a Gemstone?
Color is one of the most important factors — the richest, most vivid colors are often the most valuable. Key elements include hue, tone, and saturation. Rarity greatly affects value: stones like tanzanite or high-quality Colombian emeralds are highly sought after for their scarcity. Durability includes hardness (resistance to scratching — diamonds score 10 on the Mohs scale, sapphires and rubies score 9) and toughness (resistance to breaking). Emeralds, while beautiful, are more prone to cracking due to their internal inclusions despite their hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale.
From Mine to MarketThe Journey of a Gemstone
The journey begins at the mines. Colombia's emeralds are extracted from underground tunnels in the Boyacá region. Sri Lanka's sapphires come from alluvial riverbeds. After extraction, stones are sorted and graded by quality, color, size, and clarity. Then comes faceting and cutting — creating symmetrical facets that allow the stone to reflect light. Colombia increasingly keeps cutting in-house (beneficiation), adding local value. After cutting, gems enter commercial markets in India and Thailand before reaching jewelry workshops where skilled artisans set them into rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Finally, after traveling through a complex global supply chain, the gemstone reaches you.
GemstonesGarnets — A Gemologist's Fun Fact
Garnets are a fascinating family of gemstones! While they're all part of the garnet species, each variety has its own unique properties. Spessartine displays vibrant oranges, while almandine is known for its deep red hues. Despite having different refractive indexes, all garnets share a common optical trait: they are singly refractive, meaning light doesn't split into two rays, unlike many other gemstones. This consistency in light behavior makes garnets even more intriguing in the world of gemology!
Fun FactsGemstones and Their Global Adventures!
Did you know that some gemstones travel far from their source before they make it to you? Sapphires from Sri Lanka are cut in Thailand, diamonds from Africa are often polished in India, and tanzanite from Tanzania might be set in New York! The journey from mine to market is a long one, and it makes each gemstone a unique story to tell. At Leonardo Legacy Jewels, we're passionate not only about crafting unique jewelry but also about sharing the incredible stories behind each gem.
